Wellbeing is not a one-size-fits-all approach

July 26, 2021 Written by Grace French

Tags: mental health public relations wellbeing

It’s safe to say that being plunged into multiple lockdowns across the past 18 months – though for good reason – has played havoc with the nation’s mental wellbeing. With restrictions changing at short notice and guidance sometimes unclear, at times it’s been hard to know where to turn and what we can safely do.

A consequence of that has been growing uncertainty and instability in how we monitor and look after our wellbeing. It’s a story of two halves – with the stay at home guidance we’ve had much more time to reflect on our mental wellbeing and focus on self-care. But at the same time, increased isolation and ongoing uncertainty has meant that a one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing can’t be applied, and we haven’t all been able to access our usual coping strategies.

Recognising that wellbeing means different things to different people, Stand has offered a wellness bounty for a number of years, which colleagues can use however they wish for the benefit of their own wellbeing. By giving everyone the freedom to choose what serves their needs best, we can ensure people feel supported, but not pigeon-holed by a restrictive wellbeing programme.

It’s really come into its own since the pandemic – allowing people to explore new coping strategies as well as reinforce existing ones. Here’s a roundup of what we’ve been up to with our wellness bounties recently.

Tash

“I used some of my wellness bounty to buy a Fitbit. I started running during lockdown to get out of the house, get fitter and clear my head before work – my Fitbit has really helped to motivate me to continue doing this.

“Even on days when I don’t go running, it encourages me to get up and walk around every hour to get at least 250 steps in, which helps take my eyes away from my screen and gives my mind a quick rest.”

Cait

“During lockdown, I found solace in running over the summer months. As we started going into autumn / winter, and another lockdown loomed, I realised I didn’t have the kit to run in the cold. The wellness bounty enabled me to buy active wear that would be warm enough. Exercising outdoors really helped with my mental wellbeing and knowing that I was going to be able to continue to use running as an outlet lifted a big weight off my shoulders.”

Georgie

“I’ve invested in some refreshed yoga equipment, including this eco yoga mat. Yoga is a bit like the swiss army knife of exercise for me – it can be intensive, restorative, focusing – whatever you need it to be. Having a new mat has been very welcome.”

Grace

“During the pandemic I channelled a lot of energy into creative activities. I used my wellness bounty to buy some papercutting, silver jewellery-making and arm knitting supplies.

“Being able to focus on a task I could control, and then have something tangible at the end that I can now enjoy, has done wonders for my wellbeing. And I’ve discovered some lifelong skills in the process!”

Sadie

“I’ve used some of my wellness bounty so far on some walking shoes, for trekking around the Cornish coast when visiting family. I’d had my eyes on them for a while but couldn’t quite afford them, so I’ve been extremely pleased to now have the means to do so! I look forward to making the most of the rest of my wellness bounty and remain appreciative to work at such a thoughtful agency who support health and wellbeing.”

Laura

“I’ve put my wellness bounty towards some new trainers for the London Marathon 2021!  Hoping they will keep me niggle free and help me get across the finish line in October!”

Jevan

“I used my wellness bounty for my gym membership and an apple fitness subscription, which has kept me active during lockdown (and kept my sanity). It’s so nice to work for a company that supports employees’ wellbeing, across both physical and mental health.”